Posts Tagged ‘chris beatty vocalcoach.com’
« Older Entries |SPRING TRAINING FOR SINGERS
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
They're not waving. They're stretching!
NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE, YOU NEED ONGOING TRAINING & COACHING
Having just returned from yet another month of Major League Baseball Spring Training in FL I am again reminded of this: We all need on-going training, no matter how good we are. In fact, it was the big name superstars that were the first on the field before every game with their trainers. And these guys were already partially warmed up and in extremely good shape.
We, singers need to take our craft just as seriously. We need to stop being satisfied with just acceptable singing and push to be all we can be. Singing up to your potential is more satisfying in every way. Plus, it makes you more valuable to those you sing with and those who hear you. That being said, consider these training opportunities:
GOOD TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
ANOTHER DALLAS AREA WORKSHOP MAY 12, 2012 9:00-Noon
Due to the success of our last Online Video Workshop at the Voice Kitchen in Plano TX we’re doing it again! I’ll be live in our Brentwood TN studio connected to the Voice Kitchen video studio. This class is limited to the first 15 who sign up and is a great way to get small group training at an exceptional price. There are also two slots remaining for 30 minute one-on-one sessions that afternoon.
To sign up go to voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.
VOCAL COACH PACKAGES – Physical product or Download.
If you’ve visited the Vocal Coach Online Store Recently you know we are constantly offering new packages and bundles and special pricing. Being able to master the foundations in the convenience of your own home, when it works for you is just part of what Vocal Coach is all about. You can download Vocal Coach training CD’s in a matter of minutes and be on your way to better singing.
FACE-TO-FACE PERSONAL TRAINING
Online training is getting more and more popular. It allows us (you and me) to see and hear each other without anyone having to drive or fly anywhere. You’re at home; I’m in my studio. If you have Internet and a webcam on your computer you’re good to go! Check out details by clicking here
Hope to see you soon in an Online session.
Chris
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, performance training, singing lessons, voice lessons
Posted in Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Workshops, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF VOCAL PRACTICE
Monday, March 12th, 2012
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOCAL PRACTICE
Your Body Soul & Spirit are involved when you use your voice. None of the three can be force-fed, and all are more receptive and effective when you take a few minutes to prepare your practice and rehearsal times.
As You Prepare to Practice Consider These Principles
- Being casual about practice and rehearsal may lead to performance casualties.
- Practice makes permanent, so don’t practice using wrong technique.
- Muscles have memory, so think “mechanics” until things become more natural.
- You are more likely to reach your goals if you have some. Make a plan before you begin. Write it down!
- You are a vocal athlete and have physical limits. Athletes who never learn to warm up, work smart and cool down have more injuries and shorter careers. It’s the same for singers.
How Long To Practice?
You need the right quality and quantity of time. For a normal vocal practice session, allow 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half. If you’re doing a lot of non-vocal, mental work (thinking through gestures, expression, lip-syncing etc.), you can go longer as long as you remain focused. When you stop making positive progress it’s time to stop. Be sensitive to your physical voice as well as what you are accomplishing . . . nor not accomplishing.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals, as apposed to working technique, may take much longer, especially when others are involved. The key is to go into it warmed up and prepared and pace the use of your voice.
When Working With Vocal Coach Training Materials
If you have the Singer series, you can get tips from the Getting Started CD on how to most effectively work through it. Whether you have the series or a variety of other CD’s the key is to decide what you want to accomplish. If you’re building or reinforcing the foundations start with Complete Breathing, Warm-Up, Tone and Expanding Your Range. Spend some time in the introductory teaching to get in the right mindset. Take notes and replay sections that jump out at you. Then, move on to the exercises, repeating as necessary until your mind and mechanism both “get it.”
Don’t be in a rush, or expect to suddenly have it all working. As all the parts learn to work together, it will be well worth the investment in time and effort. Use the form below as a practice tracker.
VOCAL WORKOUT TRACKER FORM
Copy/Paste the Workout Tracker into Word or Pages and print as many copies as you need. It will help you track what’s working and what’s not and make you a smart singer.
Name:_______________________Date:_____________________
Objectives/goals for this session: (Technique goals, songs to work on etc.) Use as much space as you need.
Reflecttions On The Session: Take all the room you need:
- What worked as planned, what is getting better/easier and what is still an issue? (Include questions, thoughts etc. so you know the areas in which you need more information etc.
- Did you end up using different materials or songs that you originally planned on?
- Are you encouraged or frustrated? Describe.
As you see patterns emerging you will know where to focus and where you may need extra help.
Have questions or comments? Let me know at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal training, voice training
Posted in From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »
CAN YOU TEACH ME TO SING?
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
Every few weeks I get asked that question so I thought I’d respond to it here.
NOW, WHAT ABOUT SINGING? Here are the elements that need to be working well and working together in order for you to sing with good quality, accuracy and consistency.
- THE DESIRE AND WILLINGNESS to open your mouth in front of others and sing. Seem obvious? I work with some singers who have enormous desire and passion but are literally terrified to sing in public, which is rather limiting. Why this fear? They don’t know what will come out under real-life pressure.
- THE MECHANICS of posture, breathing, tone and expression are all part of what makes a singer effective. If any of those areas are weak, you will lose quality and consistency.
- A MUSICAL EAR (ear, brain, larynx connection) is a must. Without it you won’t have good pitch center (be on the right note), dynamics (loud, soft) and phrasing (what you “do” with the phrase). With decent training, someone with reasonable pitch accuracy can usually develop a good musical ear, but it takes time.
- THE DESIRE TO COMMUNICATE A MESSAGE is what separates those who just “sing” from those who “CONNECT” with the audience, which is the ultimate goal. That means analyzing the message (lyrics and musical style) and coming up with a game plan that includes expression, gestures, meaningful dynamics, phrasing and more. It’s a real effort, that when done well comes off as easy and natural. That’s what allows the listener to relax and take it in, rather than nervously wondering if you will hit the high notes.
Now, it’s time to list your strengths as well as the areas that need some work. Then, make the time to get the tools necessary to turn those weaknesses into strengths. It may be one of the most satisfying things you ever do.
If you need guidance regarding which tools will serve you best explore the vocalcoach.com web site or email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc We are here to help you be your best and get the most enjoyment out of singing possible.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, coaching voice, performance training, singing lessons, vocal training, voice lessons
Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Songwriting, Teaching Teens To Sing, The Senior Voice, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Singing Turns Your Breath Into Music
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
I just saw a great cartoon from the old Family Circus series. The older brother is holding a trumpet and educating his younger sibling. He says,
“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”
That’s EXACTLY how a child would summarize the workings of a trumpet. He doesn’t need to know all the details. Someone else has taken care of that, and it works.
Well, guess what? In many ways we should think of our voices the same way. You move air from the lungs up through the mouth and it turns it into music. In fact, when performing, that’s about all you have room in your brain to think about. The rest of your attention should be on being an expressive communicator to the listener.
Don’t get me wrong. I am fully aware of all the mechanical and acoustical events going on as well as the preparation it takes to become a good singer. I’m just reminding us all that it’s easy to over-think the whole vocal process to the point of sounding and looking like a vocal robot.
Learning the mechanics in order to not have to think about the mechanics is the goal, and it is a process. But oh the joy of being able to just stand there and let your mind, body and spirit turn moving breath into a powerful and clear message.
Remember, it’s easy:
“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”
Have an amazing week, and let me know how Vocal Coach can help you do what you do, better.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training
Posted in Breathing, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Teaching Kids To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »
IS SINGING IN THE CAR OK FOR THE VOICE?
Monday, January 16th, 2012
WANT TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS BLOG? Click here: Blog-WarmingUpInCar_011612
Great Email Question
I got a great email question that asked this: “Chris, I bought the Vocal Coach series from you at a workshop you gave. You mention warming up while driving to rehearsal/gig. I thought I had heard not to do that. Is it ok to do that so long as posture is correct?” This is a super question because it deals with real life for a singer.
Ideal vs Reality
Let’s start with this: The “ideal” warm-up/practice scenario would have you peaceful and quiet, undisturbed. You are rested, have eaten well and have just read something relaxing. Maybe even had a string quartet playing during your meal. I’m not being sarcastic. Superstars like Luciano Pavarotti and Michael Jackson traveled with their own chef’s, food supply and, in the case of Pavarotti, entertainment.
Muscle Memory
Most singers who wait, and only warm-up and practice in perfect, ideal situations often just don’t do it. The result is that they don’t develop the muscle memory necessary for good singing.
Is Warming Up in the Car Ok?
I have sung all over the world and sometimes the only place I knew I could really “get away” to think and warm-up was in a rental car. Pavarotti and Jackson I am not, but I do know what my voice and mind and emotions feel like when I’m fully ready to perform and I’ll do about anything to make that happen. If you’re a choir or worship team member and the car is your only time to focus, put in a Vocal Coach Warm-Up or Daily Workout CD and go for it. The goal is to be ready.
If you do end up warming up in a car:
- Make sure the rear-view mirror is positioned comfortably high requiring you to sit tall to see out the back window.
- Keep your hands at the One and Three O’clock positions on the steerting wheel. It will stabilize your chest and ribs in a comfortably expanded position.
- Have a goal of physically feeling a free, rich tone since road noise, air conditioning etc. may make accurate hearing challenging.
- Don’t try to out-sing the car noise. Instead, sing smart. If you begin to strain, back off and recheck posture, breathing and tone. If you aren’t solid in those foundations make a plan, get some materials personal training and learn to do it right.
Ten Minutes Is Much Better Than Nothing
What it your schedule or situation doesn’t allow for a good warm-up? That’s where muscle memory and experience kick in and get you through, but it’s not something to get comfortable with. Those who do ultimately pay the price of sloppy, unpredictable performances. There is always some time to do humming and lip-trill exercises even if it’s while you’re in the shower and getting ready.
Summary
Do all you can to assure regular warm-up and practice times in ideal surrounding. When that can’t happen, make sure to still prepare your voice and heart even if you need to hide in the janitor’s closet or a car to do it.
Got a Question You Would Like Answered?
Just email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc and put “Question” in the subject.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training, voice training, worship leader
Posted in Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Audios, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | No Comments »
I am His, & He is mine.
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
New Year Thoughts from Carole
2011 has been a year we all would like to forget because of the economy. But my Father owns all the cattle on a thousand hills & He has never failed to provide over & above what I could ever think or ask. As we enter 2012, I know the thoughts that the Lord thinks towards me are thoughts of peace and not of evil, but to give me a future & a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. How I rejoice in knowing I am His, & He is mine.
May this be a year of victory and of peace in your life.
Carole
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Carole Cares | No Comments »
KEEPING A MOIST VOICE IN DRY WEATHER
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
IT’S WINTER. THAT MEANS LOTS OF SINGING AND DRYER AIR
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES all singers face is recognizing how dehydrating singing is even in the best of times. Every time we exhale we are losing moisture. In fact, when a singer like Chris Tomlin does a full concert he’s apt to lose a gallon or more of water in one night just through the breath. Add to that normal perspiration and evaporation through the skin and you need some serious hydration just to stay even. In winter, the air inside and outside is dryer it makes it even worse.
THE REAL DANGER is the control you can lose and the damage you can cause if the vocal folds (vocal cords) don’t have the right lubrication as they articulate thousands of times during a phrase.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP maintain the needed moisture include:
- Keep your body hydrated, drinking a minimum of 1/2 your body weight in ounces every day. If you weigh 160 pounds that means 80 ounces of water. If you weigh 500 pounds you ate too much on Thanksgiving day
. - If you’re physically active playing sports, shoveling snow or whatever you’ll need additional water just to stay even.
- If you’re singing, or even doing a lot of speaking you need to anticipate those times by starting to super-hydrate several days before. Drink, drink, drink and make it mostly water or juices, not caffienated drinks.
- In addition to keeping your system hydrated there are times to consider some topical moisture in the nose and throat area. This can be accomplished
with a Vick’s Personal Steam Inhaler. It’s made by Kaz and sold at Target, Walmart etc ($25-30) or Entertainer’s Secret Throat Spray (vocalcoach.com/store $6.95 ea). The steam inhaler also helps is you’ve over-used the voice a bit. The Entertainer’s Secret is a great, topical moisturizer that will keep the nasal passages, sinuses and upper throat moist even in a dry setting.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, dry throat, singing lessons, vocal training, voice lessons
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Worship Team | No Comments »
“I WANT A VOCAL COACH, NOT MORE CD’S!”
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
REMINDER OF DALLAS VOCAL COACH WORKSHOP
HAS YOUR VOICE HAD A TUNE-UP LATLEY?
There are still a few openings left for the Saturday, November 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Dallas. It will be held at the “Voice Kitchen” video studio and limited to 15 students. I will be teaching “live” from my studio in TN and we’ll all see and hear each other throughout. 9:00-Noon Nov 12th. This is a great value. Just click here for more info or to sign up.
“I WANT A VOCAL COACH, NOT MORE CD’s!”
I totally get that statement. Regular, personal training from a skilled and experienced teacher/coach is the ideal. BUT, in real life that means living near one of those teachers who is probably going to charge a good bit, and they deserve it.
I HONESTLY BELIEVE you can get the “information” and “personal feedback” you need by using a combination of affordable methods.
TO START WITH, you really can learn (or be reminded of) much of the fundamentals through carefully structured CD’s. (There has to be a reason we’ve sold over 1 million of them.)
TO CONTINUE learning you will, at some point, want feedback and interaction from a teacher, or coach. In my case I am both voice teacher (technique) and coach (expression, interpretation, staging etc.). Because we live in the Internet Age you can literally be interacting with a teacher fom a desktop, laptop, iPad or even iPhone with full audio and video. If you’re in the Dallas areas you can start with the Nov small class. Or just schedule an ONLINE SESSION with me on our site. All you need is an Internet connection and a web cam and mic which are part of most computers or very inexpensive to add.
SUMMARY: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT ALL TO BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE. You can download a training CD in 5 minutes from our VOCAL COACH STORE at vocalcoach.com where you can also schedule an online session. And, don’t forget the free tips and other free resources our site, or email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.
Hope to hear from you or see you soon Online.
Chris
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, performance training, singing lessons, vocal coaching, worship leader
Posted in From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Vocal Coach Workshops | No Comments »
HAS YOUR VOICE HAD A TUNE-UP LATELY? Dallas Vocal Coach Workshop Nov. 12th
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Has Your Voice Had A Tune-Up Lately?
SING HIGHER, LOWER AND LONGER WITHOUT VOCAL FATIGUE
JOIN US SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon for a Live, Interactive Video Vocal Coach Workshop in Dallas TX
with Chris & Carole Beatty.
Co-Sponsored by Vocal Coach and the THE VOICE KITCHEN in Dallas
WHO IS IT FOR? Singers, Worship Leaders, Choir Members, Teachers, Pastors.
HOW DOES A LIVE VIDEO WORKSHOP WORK? It’s simple. You arrive at the Voice Kitchen in Dallas November 12th at 9:00. That classroom will be connected by live video feed to our Vocal Coach studio in Brentwood TN. That’s it! We see, hear and interact with each other throughout the workshop.
HOW BIG WILL THE CLASS BE? In an effort to maximize personal attention the class will be limited to the first 15 who sign up.
WHAT WILL IT COVER? The critical foundations that even experienced singers and speakers need to fine-tune.
- POSTURE: Sounds boring but it’s NOT! Discovering a natural, balanced posture benefits not only your voice but the way you look and function in life. It’s a posture you can live with.
- BREATHING: Breath is the power behind the voice. The problem is, many of us have been taught strange techniques that really don’t make sense. Our approach will make sense and the exercises you will learn will build good “breath management” for your speaking and singing. Many of us breathe the wrong way. We actually interfere with our own technique.
- TONE: What do you sound like when all the tension and bad technique is gone? You will be amazed at the sound and feeling of a free voice for speaking and singing. Get ready for your absolute best sound. It may surprise you.
- DICTION: Believe it or not, when you clean up some diction habits your voice is much happier, the sound is cleaner and the message is easier to understand. The Vocal Coach approach to diction is used world-wide by thousands with great success.
- WARM-UPS & COOL-DOWNS: Those who depend on their voices are really vocal athletes. After all, the voice is a physical, mechanical and acoustical instrument. As you learn to warm-up and cool down your voice you will avoid injury and maximize your performance.
- YOUR QUESTIONS: We’ll also be taking your questions and working through other areas that will make you the best you can be.
WHAT IS THE COST? Less than a one-hour personal session in the Vocal Coach studio, and you don’t need to drive or fly to Nashville and pay for a hotel. Your total cost is $75.
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Just go to WWW.VOICEKITCHEN.COM or email moc.nehctikeciovnull@oiduts. You can also call Jill at the Voice Kitchen at 469-383-8885. Technical questions can be addressed to moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.
REMEMBER: THERE ARE ONLY 15 SEATS FOR THIS WORKSHOP, SO ACT NOW!
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, Dallas Vocal Workshop, Dallas Workshop, Vocal Coach Workshop, Vocal Workshop
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
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